Woah. It's be a *LONG* while!

Hello there!  I am Christine and I write on this blog!  I figured I would re-introduce myself!  Since its been over a year since I have posted on here! :)

Life has been INSANE.  The last year has been such a whirlwind--and definitely eventful!  The last time I posted I wrote about the Des Moines Marathon and not doing it.  I didn't do it.  I did however run the Race for Hope AND the Chicago Hot Chocolate 5K.  Both races were good--but I was struggling with being properly trained :(   Having a teaching job, a 2ND job, and a family makes training super hard....but...then you add in....

Baby J--our sweet beautiful baby girl!  Yep.  Teaching job, 2nd job, family, master's degree work, AND being pregnant. 

It was 10 months from my last run when I got back on the open road this past August.  The Hot Chocolate 5K was my last run for a long 10 months.  And I really do mean long.  I was sick and then as I was starting to feel better things went downhill and I landed myself on 10 weeks of an assortment of different levels of bed rest.  Ultimately--I have lost a LOT of my stamina and strength.  As well as speed.

Today was the Race for Hope!  This event is so dear to me.  My 1st 5K ever was this race--and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  It is such a small race--but there is so much meaning behind it.  The profits benefit the local cancer center and they really do use the money for ALL types of cancer!  And that is so important to me!

Today's race was not fast--in fact I didn't even have it timed because I knew it wasn't going to be fast.  BUT--it was awesome.  I felt great--and it was truly an amazing experience!  I will write more later...

The goal now--to get BACK into shape--do speedwork--and prepare for our November 3rd Hot Chocolate 5K!  I can't believe this is the 3rd year for these 2 races!  So look forward to updates and fun as I prepare and get back to where I need to be! :)

Wow so long...and so few runs :(

These last 2 months have been so crazy that I am still trying to wrap my head around how to keep things moving in a forward direction and above water!  Let alone getting runs in there!

There have been a few things that have ultimately come up really changing up my running schedule.  Even as much as completely changing the race I REALLY REALLY wanted to run this year.  The Des Moines Half Marathon.  Basically it boiled down to this: Run in the Des Moines 1/2 or risk loosing one last opportunity to spend some good memory making time with my Grandma.  As you can all assume--I am going to make memories.  If there was one thing I have learned through all of this--its making memories ALWAYS comes first and foremost.  Family and loved ones.

SOO...instead of doing that--I am actually going to be running a really awesomely cool sounding virtual race called the ""  This is a 10 mile race that you have 10 days to complete.  I am not sure how I will do it--but the catch is that you HAVE TO run through a "water feature"--so I am scoping out a good place to run through a water feature!  I wish we had cool splash parks around here--however we don't!  Although I wonder if I can escape from our memory making weekend (which also includes a wedding!) to run through a water feature in St. Louis!  How cool would that be?!  Ya I thought so too!!  I am excited though!

This coming Saturday I have a 5K--to which I might die!!  I have VERY VERY VERY little training put in for this run--therefore it could be a bit miserable...but I am just going to get out there.  I LOVE this race--and it was where it all started for me!  SO I am definitely going back!  Even if I have to walk half of it-I AM going back!

November will be the Hot Chocolate 5K!  I gotta register for it as soon as I get the go ahead from hubby! :)  I am super excited as the swag includes an awesome finishers "mug/bowl" and a technical hoodie!  Woot woot!  Its also a super fun race all together!  Hopefully the atmosphere of this weekend can throw me back into my running!

December will be my virtual race!  Still working out details in my brain!  But hopefully in October I can get some information out to you! :)

So there you have it...life has been super duper busy--but I wouldn't change it for the world! :)

I NEED to get out on the open road!

The past month was a crazy one for me!  Seriously crazy!  Between working 2 (yes, TWO) jobs--taking care of my family/house (ok, maybe not the house so much...), and applying/interviewing for teaching jobs it has been so so so hard to find a balance in my life.  Add the need to run on top of things--and its overwhelming! 

The good news: I GOT A TEACHING JOB!  Yes, that is such an amazing/exciting/nerve racking experience!  And I am SO SO SO excited to start the school year! :)  I already headed back (new teacher training) last week--but Monday marks the beginning of the "official" year! :)  Training and room set up Mon/Tues/Wed and the kiddo's come on Thursday! 

With the new school year also bring another good thing---the fact that I can back way down on my hours at my 2nd job.  The summer is a time I can pack in a lot of hours (and man did I ever) but I will be thankful to pull it way back.  Working only 3 days TOTAL a week will be so so so nice!  More so, the hours on the weekend (especially Sunday) are such that I should be able to get in a run Sunday evenings! 

Life will always be hectic--I just gotta find some balance!  My plan is to get into a good groove--possibly even AM runs vs. PM runs as well as fit in at least 1 "strength" workout here at the house.  We have a great app on the iPad called Nike Training Club--and my husband has unlocked some really awesome work-outs from some great runners!  So hopefully by doing those short and sweet workouts a time or two a week I can manage to gain some strength! 

On a sad note--we are canceling our Y membership :(  It makes me bummed, but we seriously don't use it enough to justify the cost.  We love the Y.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it--but it is SO FAR away for us that it goes unused month after month.  Le sigh.  There is a gym MUCH closer that I think I am going to get a membership to--and it would be just me!  The positive is that its open 24/7 so I would be able to workout persay after I got off of work at my 2nd job--or between getting out of school and picking up the boys (daycare is in the same town!).  Needless to say it will just depend on the money it is going to cost!  Another option would be the college's gym--since I will be going back to school as well!  We shall see!  I wish we coudl afford a treadmill--however we just can't at the moment :(  Someday!!

Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon COMPLETE!

I did it.  Well, WE did it!  My brother Sean was the 1st to cross the finish line followed by my husband Justin and my dad and I came in last but not least! :)  We finished!  That's all I cared about!  We weren't fast by any means--but that's not what counted!  Crossing that finish line was what counted!

The weather was HOT.  My training was sub par at best. But I had the best support running by my side! (Who happened to be WAY better trained than I! LOL!)  Dad and I ran/walked the entire thing.  I got defeated early on--and got dizzy quite early in the race :(  So that was definitely nerve racking for me!  My dad totally pushed me and we actually did "stop light" runs!  Which totally helped give me a visual/goal to focus on!

The race itself was pretty awesome.  I however wished I had my music to tune into.  The bands were great--but they didn't resonate quite like I thought they would!  So there was a lot of "quiet time" between bands!  The spectators were great--and everyone was so supportive!  It was an awesome environment!

One of the COOLEST moments in the whole course was about Mile 9 there was a race "coach" (they were there supporting through the last say 5 miles of the course!) and he was giving a pep talk that really made Dad and I laugh/feel better.  He goes (in a not so official quote) "If someone asks how you are doing--don't lie--don't bring yourself down by saying bad.  Yes you may be in pain--and you may feel horrible--but think positive.  Positive thoughts will get you through.  If someone asks how you are doing simply reply "I going forward""  It was just what we needed then.  Plus a bag of ice someone had left was super helpful as well! (We didn't drink it--but it was so nice to be able to put on our necks/hands to cool them down!

Overall-the race was great and we really did have a good time!  Next up: Race for Hope (5K), The Des Moines 1/2 marathon (more on this later), and the Hot Chocolate Race (5K)!  To end the year I am going to be sponsoring a December Winter Wonderland race! :)  Not sure the name or much about it yet--however, I know it will be in December and directly benefit the society that gave so much to my Grandma and asked nothing in return!  If I have enough signed up I am going to get shirts made and sent out to the participants!  More to come later! :)

4 Days Pre-race.

And I am no where near ready.  My training has been miserable.  Between working 2 jobs, the absolutely dreadful heat and humidity, and my feet hurting from working so much--life has surely gotten in the way.

What does that mean?  I might just die when we run not 1, but 2 (yes, TWO) race this weekend!  The major one being the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon!  :) 

So here is what I am hoping for this weekend coming up.  My goals:
#1: First and foremost--I want to have fun!  I want to enjoy the races and take them in for all their worth!
#2: I want to walk past the finish line! :) 
#3: I want to feel proud that I completed my first ever 13.1 mile race!  I am lacking the confidence at the moment.  Honestly I feel dreadful about how horrible my training has been. :(  Ever since my incredibly horrible dizzy spell in May I have barely gotten any miles in per week. 

I just want to have fun.  I want to cross the finish line having ran at least 1/2.   I honestly don't know that I will be able to run more than 1/2.  Since my absolutely horrible training--I just am not sure its feasible.  HOWEVER, I know that having my dad by my side pacing me--and just being there--will help A LOT!  He truly pushes me to continue.  We are going to take it VERY slow--and just enjoy! :)  There are bands and pep squads every mile--so it will definitely be an awesome race to run!

The Muddy Buddy race we are just doing for fun.  It won't be fast--and it won't be crazy.  :)  Justin and I are doing this together!  I am so excited--Noah (my oldest) will be doing the race with us as well!!  (Well, he is doing his own "Mini Muddy Buddy" race!

So there you have it!  I am sure I will be back in the next few days blogging in preperation! :)  I am starting to really up my hydration to prepare for the race!  Although its at 6:30 AM--it is still going to be hot out there!   The best way to prevent feeling extremely dehydrated is to hydrate early and really well! :)  Bring on the water! :)

Tales from a not-quite 13.1 mile run.

This morning bright and early we set out for a run.  I have to say--it actually wasn't to bad when we started out--the downfall of the trail was that there was NO shade what-so-ever.  :( 

The first 4 miles I was feel really good-EXCEPT I had to go to the bathroom.  Like...BAD.  I tried to go before we started--but couldn't.  SO I started--well about 4 miles in--there was no questions--I needed to find a bathroom.  So, I detoured off the trail and went to the gas station not so far away.  That's where things went downhill.

I ran to and from the gas station--stopped to take a drink at the car before heading out again.  And I just COULD NOT find my groove :(  To add to the groove-lessness of the run, my hip was starting to bother me.

However, I was determined come hell or high water to finish the distance.  So--I slowed down to a walk.  I figured covering the distance was better than just stopping!  So--I continued.  Every so often I would jog some and then walk.  Jog and then walk.  It was between mile 7 and 8 that I could feel my dizziness kick in when I was jogging.  SO--I made the ultimate decision to walk the rest. 

My real goal today was to just FINISH the distance.  I wanted to assure myself that I COULD go that far...and that I COULD complete it under 3:30.

The good news: I CAN complete the 13.1 in under 3:30.  The bad news--I didn't really complete the entire distance.  But based on our stats--and how fast we were going we would have been in under 3:15! :)  So that is re-assuring!  Even walking over half of the distance!  I completed just about 11 miles!

Justin (my husband) turned around with me when we met as he had about 2 miles to complete (and I had 7+!) and walked with me!  It was so nice to have someone with me!  :)  It really did push me to walk faster and keep up! 

I was the only one out of us 4 that didn't complete the entire distance :(  My Dad actually got up and ran a 1/2 marathon this morning as well!  How cool is that?  What a great experience for all of us!  A great learning experience that's for sure!

I learned a few things on my run:
1) Make sure to go to the bathroom before you leave.  No questions asked...sit on the pot until it comes out!  Stopping is dreadful!
2) I REALLY REALLY need to hydrate a LOT these next few weeks.  The prep for hydration needs to start NOW.  I REALLY need to get my water intake through the roof so that my body has proper hydration.
3) I REALLY need to log some road time.  I am not sure if it was the pavement or what--however, the soles of my feet HURT.  They are really super sore.  To the point that that was the determining factor in me stopping.  I feel like I just need to build up the calluses! LOL!
4) I need to figure out how to stretch my hip to give it some relief when it is getting tight.
5) I REALLY need a running buddy!  Running long runs WITH someone makes ALL the difference!  THANKFULLY--my Daddy and I will be running together--so I will have encouragement along the way!
6) My iPhone battery--despite being fully charged--will only last about 10 miles with Nike+ and Pandora running.  Thankfully, when we run the Rock and Roll 1/2 I won't need either!  As the path will be marked and there are bands every 1/2 mile!
7)  Getting pooped on by a bird is not really cool. LOL!

So yep...it was a great learning experience and it makes me feel A LOT better about what's to come!  Even if I didn't finish the full 13.1 distance! 

Independence Day 13.1

Tomorrow morning, bright and early--my husband, brother, and I are setting out on a 13.1 mile run.  While I will be by far the slowest--we are all going to go 13.1 it will take me at least an hour longer than those 2.  Originally I was going to make my husband run it with me--going slow and encouraging me--but I know how absolutely horrible that will be for him.  So--he is going to go ahead of me.  As well as my brother!  HOWEVER, they both said they were going to come join me for the last 5K or so after they finish!  So that will be nice!

We wanted to do this run for prep.  To see how absolutely miserable we are going to be!  The other great thing--we are going to set out at 6:15.  Which means not only will we be done by about 9:15--we will also be heading out the same time that we will for the 1/2 marathon on the 22nd! :)

I am excited and nervous!  I think if I keep it slow and steady--and take it mile by mile and make sure to not get down on myself I can do it!  We will be doing 2 loops of a trail that my brother knows but I haven't been on.  At the 1/2 way point we will have water and Gatorade (as well as I think a banana and chews) in our car.  We have frozen 4 bottles of water, and we have 2 large gatorades in the fridge to go into a cooler pack.

This last week has been a bit emotional.  I am once again reminded of the horrible disease that cancer is.  And as I embark on this 1/2 marathon distance tomorrow--each step of the way I will be thankful for my health, my happiness, and those "just one more" moments that Grandma and I shared together.  I also know--that I will have an angel right by my side--cheering me on!  Today as I was driving to school I cried for the 1st time in a long time--I was thinking about a friend who has a loved one in their final stages of their battle with cancer.  It just breaks my heart and brings back such sad memories of those last few weeks in my Grandma's battle.  And to add to my tears--there was a woman walking that looked JUST LIKE her.  Walking like her--her body shape was just like hers--her wrinkles like her.  And the tears just flowed.  :(

I will report back tomorrow on how things go! :)  I am hoping to log in a 1/2 marathon time under 3 hours and 30 minutes.  Honestly I would really like to see under 3 hours...but, I also just want to accomplish the distance.

The goal will be the same for the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon as well!  No real time goal--just finishing!  Well, and not getting picked up by the "Your going too slow" van.  LOL!  There's a time limit of 3:30 on the course and you have to pass certain check-points within a certain time frame or else the van will pick you up!

And I'm off! :)  Have a great night!

Long Run Fabulous-ness!

Monday night I was trying to convince myself to run.  I hadn't run and I knew that the likelihood I would get out for a long run later in the week was slim due to the fact that the heat is CRAZY here!  So..running a long distance would be extremely tough in 100+ degree weather!  I just kept making excuses.

And then...my husband goes "Just go run Christine."  I told him that I just wasn't going to go.  I just didn't have the energy.  Well...then I just said....F**k it--I need to go.

My goal was 4 miles.  Honestly I just wanted to do 4 miles--however, there is this loop.  A loop my husband had done--but I hadn't ever ventured out that far--and well before I left I told my darling husband that I wasn't sure what I was going to do--4 miles or the loop.  Well, a mile in I was feeling good!  I was in control and feeling strong!  So...I made the decision to go for it.

It wasn't until past a mile that I realized my Nike+ app had shut down.  I wanted an update to my distance and realized it had shut down on me.  I stopped and tried to restart it 2 more times.  The same thing happened.  Fail.  So--I started Endomundo up.  After 2 more miles....it TOO shut down.  I was looking for a mileage update and nothing--so I slowed down to check in on my run--and lo and behold IT had stopped as well :(  Ugh.  Fail again.

So--I went sans tracking.  It was honestly one of the best decisions I made.  I just ran.  I knew that the loop was going to take me back into Salix--and that I would end up with the longest run I had had in a substantial amount of time (since Mother's Day!).

It was FABULOUS!  I entered my route on Endomundo when I got back--it said about 6.7 miles!  Which was great--I was hoping for something closer to 8--but regardless these miles felt GREAT!  I feel much more empowered and like I WILL be able to do the 1/2 marathon and not die in the process!! :)  I only walked those 2 times to check my tracking--and then a 3rd because my hip was really bothering me and I wanted to stretch it out.  (And was really sore/painful yesterday as well!  But doing much better today!)

On a side note--I was VERY thankful that I was close to the connecting road when a SKUNK crossed the road ahead of me...and then crossed BACK across the road!!  Ya--talk about FREAK out!  I did NOT want to get skunked!  Oh ya--I also had a deer jut out from the corn field!  Made me definitely nervous!  Thankfully I did NOT get skunked or hit by a deer!  I did however, take my left ear headphone out so I could listen for any other animals!

So there you have it!  A great long run to start off a good week!  Tonight I am heading to the Y for a run because it is hot, hot, hot outside.   A shorter run 3-4 miles!  But hopefully another consistent run!  I like running on the treadmill because it really does push my strength and makes running outside easier! I can make myself go faster on the treadmill--because well, if I don't go faster then I will fly off of it!  Where as--if I am outside I can just slow down if I get tired! :)

Morning Running

I want to start off with that I am NOT a morning person.  Never before in my life did I exercise in the morning except when I HAD to during Fall pre-season for soccer!  And that was torture!!

Well--I had been debating getting over my "love of sleep" and starting to run in the morning.  I know many many people swear by it, its not as hot, and then my runs are DONE.  No excuses for later in the day!  So..the other morning I bit the bullet.  I got up at 5:15 and went running.

And I LOVED it.  Seriously.  Its amazing what a cup of coffee can do for your motivation! LOL!  No, really--it was so amazing.  The coolness of the morning--the sounds of the birds waking up--and running as the sun joins me.  It was exhilirating.  And my run that day was one of the best runs I had had in a LONG time!

I bet you are wondering why I haven't continually, consistently done AM runs since I really loved it so much?  Well, when I started I wanted to get a good week to get into a routine before I started working.  I knew that I could lay back down when I got home with the boys after my early morning routine--making the 5:15 wake-up call a little more bearable.  Well, with work--that's just not possible!  Well, my husband wanted to try something that required him to leave the house before 5:30 am--and no one else was here (and willing) to make sure the boys didn't escape/wake up scared.  So...I couldn't.

Fast forward--the boys started sleeping crappier...and it made it harder to get up.  I did however, get out again last Friday--and actually DID go into work that morning!  And it was really REALLY nice!

I posted Wednesday about my horrible horrible run.  It was miserable--enough to totally question everything I am doing.  But--it DID however give me the motivation I NEEDED.  I NEEDED that push--that OH MY GOODNESS I AM NEVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS push.

So I got up bright and early on Friday.  I set out--my goal was 3 miles.  No matter what it took I wanted to run 3 miles.  So I started.  I honestly didn't feel the best--but I seemed to really get in a GREAT groove!  My 1st mile was about 12:02.  Slow--but I will take it.  It was close to the 11's which is honestly fine!  I just wanted to accomplish my 3 miles!  2nd mile 12:03--like WOAH!  Holy consitency!  That was awesome--and I was feeling REALLY good!  My body was in a good groove and I really was feeling this run.  My 3rd mile---EVEN FASTER!  In fact--I felt myself WANTING to go faster, my BODY saying--Christine, we got you!  GO GO GO!  So I did--and it felt GOOD!  Now, could I have maintained the faster speed for 10 more miles--probably not--but as much as I want to say I am going to run the entire 1/2 marathon--I do plan on taking Hal Hidgons advice and walking through the drinking stations.  And I am pretty sure on our 1/2 marathon route that the drinking stations are no more than 3 miles apart (maybe 5 towards the end).  And I honestly, within a short distance--was ready to keep going after my 3 miles run!  It was really a beautiful beautiful run!  I feel MUCH better after that run!

My weekend schedule is not looking very good.  With picking up a 2nd job its going to be even harder to fit in my longer weekend runs.  However, I am bound and determined to do them.  Even if it means we have to inlist a babysitter (aka Grandma) so that my husband can join me (although he will just have to bear with my slowness) so that if we go out in the evenings and it is dark out--then I will have someone with me.  My goal is to get in an at-least 8 mile run this week.  With that--I also want to log in some good AM runs as well!   I have Monday/Wednesday/Thursday off in the evenings--so hopefully I will be able to log in a long run on those days.

The following week is a big week.  The 4th of July.  And by big--I mean, BIG.  I am thinking....that I am going to see if Justin wants to run a 1/2 marathon with me that AM.  Like--get up and set out about 6.  We both have the day off of work--so it would be the perfect day.  Plus, doing it in the AM will mean that I can have my mom listen/watch for them while we are out on our run.  It shouldn't be TOO long that the boys would be awake before we got back.  Do I think we will be fast?  Nope.  But what I DO know--is that we will have ACCOMPLISHED the distance.  And I will TRULY know what it will feel like on race day!   I am hoping we really follow through with this one.  Long, slow, and such an amazing feeling I am sure!  We will definitely have to do some things like water and chews for mid-run.  But--we will and it will be great! :)

So yes.  There you have it!  A good ol' training update!  The 1/2 Marathon was 1 month from Friday!  Eeks!

Scared and very worried.

Training has been going so horrible as of lately.  Seriously horrible.  I can't seem to get over a few miles before I hit a wall.  I feel like my body is sweating 500,000x what it normally does--and its just gross!

I have been trying to get out on the road consistently--but life is surely crazy!  I just got a 2nd job--meaning I am working 8-12 teaching, and then random other times--Monday I worked from 8-12 teaching and then 1-9:45 at my 2nd job!  My feet hurt SOOO bad when I got home! 

Yesterday I just didn't feel up to it.  It was HOT HOT HOT out (I am talking 103* heat index with humidity like you wouldn't ever imagine!)  I had intended to do a workout inside--but it just didn't happen!

Today--thankfully I made it to the gym to run on the treadmill!  I ran a full 2 miles (horrible horrible horrible!) and my body felt really good---but my breathing wasn't quite in control--and I just lost it towards the end.  I wasn't going fast by any means--but between me being really hot, super sweaty, and dizzy--I just shut down.  The good news--I forced myself to do 2 miles on the bike (My husband just happened to begin a bike ride as I was trying to decide if I wanted to lift some weights).  That was hard--and definitely targeted some crazy muscles!!  BUT--it was a good workout--and every mile counts towards getting me where I need to be!

One of the hardest things I am facing: dizziness.  I have been facing this on and off for quite some time (February I think is when it started).  It got much better for awhile--but around Mother's Day started getting MUCH worse.  Went to the dr.--they gave me a round of steroids--they helped for a short time, but other than making me gain some crazy weight--it is now back :(  And--something I haven't experience before--its now back when I am running/exercising.  I completed my 2 miles on the bike just in time--as I got off I was really dizzy and started seeing spots (which I know all to well from my high school days that it is the pre-cursor to fainting).  I am just not sure what to think.  They did a blood work-up and everything came back perfect.  So I just...don't know. 

The 1/2 marathon is a month from Friday.  A MONTH.  I am FREAKING OUT.  I can't even go a freakin 5K let along 13.1 miles!!  My training has been so crappy lately--and it has been so hot outside.  I am just scared.  How am I EVER going to complete this.  Thankfully it is in a  MONTH and not a WEEK.  But it is still very daunting.  I can't believe I let myself loose so much valuable training time!  Mother's Day I ran a very strong 7 mile run.  It felt AMAZING!  I kid you not--and now here I sit--trying to run 2-3 miles with difficulty :( 

So there you have it.  The cold hard truth.  I am scared shitless of my 1/2 marathon.  It is so close--and I am so far from being "trained" for it.  Yikes yikes yikes.

Training Blah's

I seriously have been in a "blah" type of training mood.  I REALLY REALLY need to get out on the road consistently--but it seems every excuse and every little thing seems to be standing in my way.  :(  And I hate that feeling!  Last week I only got out for ONE run!  I did though--get out for a bike ride on Saturday.  Ugh.

This week so far--I haven't ran yet.  I am hoping to get out tonight--but who knows!  I really NEED to.  I NEED to start putting in 3-4 days a week CONSISTENTLY or else I am never going to survive the race in July!  Its like---7 weeks away!  And that my dear is just SCARY AS CRAP!  I NEED to get my butt in gear!

I have been wanting to run in the AM--but my husband has been trying this new class--meaning I can't go out and run because he has been leaving really super early as well.  It stinks honestly--as I really really enjoyed running in the AM last week and was hoping to continue the trend this week! I really honestly could see myself running every day in the AM I liked it THAT much!   Once my mom returns I should be able to get out and run, because if something were to happen and the boys would wake up--then she would be here and they know that they can just go on upstairs if I am not here/can't find me (the other morning I was in the shower--and both boys just went upstairs when I wasn't in my room).

Anyway--the goal for the week--put in a solid 3 runs--and potentially a kick boxing class tomorrow night.  If I don't kick-box I want to run instead.  Putting me at a solid 4 workout days this week.  I gotta take it one day at a time and just MAKE myself do it. Its getting out the door that is the hardest!

I also have been neglecting laundry--which makes running easier to make excuses for!  HOWEVER, I JUST started a FULL load of our running gear (mainly mine)--so that its easy to access and there will be no excuses surrounding running gear!  Plus, I bought a new shirt to wear/try out!  If it works out it may very well become my logo shirt! (Well, not this EXACT one--but one like it in white!  This one is BRIGHT yellow!)

A reminder why.

It was about a month or so ago that I was picking up the boys at daycare and there was another mother there picking up her children, and you could tell she was very upset.  Her daughter said something about the happenings for the evening and you could tell by her mom's response that she was in distress.  And then I heard the word "Cancer" and "Mom" come out of her mother's mouth and it was instant the feeling in my gut.  Those tears welting up in your eyes.  Knowing--that someone else was being so closely effected by this horrible disease called "cancer."

Last week a friend of mine lost their Aunt so suddenly no one saw it coming.  Today-she posted that it was lung cancer that took her.  Her aunt had only been dealing with a cough since January--nothing else that would point to cancer.

It seems everyday I am reminded of the struggle cancer gives.  Not only for the person who is battling cancer, but for those around that loved one.  The thought of knowing there are so so so many people hoping and wishing for "just one more" makes my heart hurt.

And then I realize--THIS is why I run.  The battle I wage on the road is NOTHING compared to that of fighting cancer--or trying to make the most of those "one more's" while watching a loved one slowly pass away from this horrible disease.  However--the awareness to cancer's unknown, the fundraising for cancer research, and the opportunity to provide "just one more" is like nothing else.  Its what fuels every mile--even at 5:30am.

Motivation...

So.....I decided that I needed some motivation for running! So--here I come to my blog and fellow blog readers!  Because well--as much as I love running--life has been getting in the way.  Particularly the dizziness I have been experiencing full force the last few weeks :(

Each week I will post my plan for the week--and update throughout the week to keep me going!  :) 

Up this week:
3 miles: Today?
4 miles: Mid-Week
3 miles: Mid-week
8 miles--Sunday

I am also going to give a shot to running in the AM vs. PM!  We shall see! :)  I look forward to blogging my journey along the way! :)  My 1st 1/2 marathon is July 22nd!  With a fun mud-buddy race the day before! 

My full marathon is October 21st--and so I am going to mesh my 1/2 marathon training with my full marathon training!  Should be interesting! :)

Until next time! :)

Plugging Along!

Sort of! :) 

The past few weeks have been interesting!  I have really enjoyed getting my run on!  Last Sunday on Mother's Day I completed race #5 during a 7 mile training run! (It was a 10K)--and it felt GREAT!! 

However, I have been dealing with some health issues!  Back in January I suddenly got hit with some CRAZY dizziness.  And unfortunately--it hasn't gone away.  It had gotten better--but within the last few weeks it has gotten way worse again :(  In fact--last week it has been at its worse since the first onset.  But that's not the only thing I have been dealing with---exhaustion, headaches, and upset stomach also make this list!  I was talking with a friend and she mentioned to have my iron levels checked.  This had never occurred to me before she had mentioned it!  I decided that before I went into the Dr. I would do some research--no use in taking a trip to the doctor if I don't NEED to!  We still have craptacular insurance (until June 1st!)--so I wanted to make sure I was pretty sure this would be something I could fix easily--and simple to determine.   Upon my research I found that--ALL of my symptoms fall into this category--INCLUDING the increase in time per mile!  Basically--when your iron levels deplete--your body can't effectively run fast!  I have been seeing a decline in my running speed and it has been bothering me!  I have increased my mileage and the number of times that I run--and my base is pretty solid!  So I should in theory be getting faster and more efficient at running!  Although-I am not :( 

My dr's appointment is on Wednesday! :)  They will be checking my iron levels for anemia and iron depletion (which, oddly enough is 2 different issues!  From my understanding--Anemia is a basic how much iron is in your blood--and depletion is the amount of iron in your muscles/bones/ect.--there is a different hormone/chemical they have to test the amount of to determine depletion!)  Hopefully it will be simple and I will know what the next step is by the end of the week!

This weekend I am hoping to get out for some training miles!  And then next week I am thinking about switching over to morning miles vs. evening miles since I am basically done for the school year!  The last week of school is pretty much dead for substitutes!  :)

Have a fabulous week everyone!

Oh My goodness I almost forgot!!

I TOTALLY almost forgot some super exciting news!!! :)

Ashley, owner and photographer for Ashley Heim Photography, will be photographing me in my running gear AND tutu coming up very soon! :)  I am PUMPED for this!  And I can't WAIT to see what fun we have out and about!!  She is such a talented photographer (not to mention an amazing mother, wife, AND daycare provider to my boys!)

So yes.....look forward to some awesome pictures and fun new designs coming to my blog soon! :)

You can find the awesomeness of Ashley right here at http://www.ashleyheimphotography.com/

1/2 Marathon Training!

I embarked on my 1/2 marathon training a few weeks ago, however, I haven't been sticking to the "plan" very well.  In particular--the last few weekends have been EXTREMELY busy so long runs have been lacking!  However....

This week I put in 2 runs (1 not-so-good run and 1 better run!) and I also put in an additional workout both nights! :)  Tonight I am going to do a workout and some agility drills instead of running.  Tomorrow I hope to log in a few miles--and Sunday I hope to put in 6 miles!  :)

Mother's day I am scheduled for 7 miles!  Crazy!  That will be my farthest distance yet!! :)  I can't wait!  I actually have a race that day (which reminds me I need to register for it!).  Its a virtual race I found--and I really liked the shirts! (LOL right?!) and the race entry goes to a good cause--so I figured why not!  The race distance is a 10K!  So I will go ahead and just record the time when I made it to 10K and then continue with the last .9 miles of my long run!! :)

Overall training has gone well.  The only exception is that my pace has somehow managed to slow significantly since I started running :(  I am definitely incorporate some speedwork into my exercises--but I am thinking I need to add some strength/agility training as well.  Part of me feels my lack of speed is from the sheer weakness of my leg muscles.  They are moving as fast as they can carry my body--and I need to strengthen them in order for them to be able to carry my body faster.  I could be totally wrong--but I figure its not going to hurt anything right!?  Now if I could only have the cool machines at my house--it would make strength training that much easier!! :P

With the school year coming to a close--and the days getting longer--I feel a longing to be out running and I just LOVE it! :)  Honestly--its fabulous!  I enjoy working out in the evenings--however, I think I am going to try to start getting my runs accomplished before my husband leaves for work/I have to get ready for work in the mornings.  In reality--that will mean I have to get up at 5:45 vs. 6:45 (and that's only when I have to work!)--which may prove to be a BIT difficult--but I think that I will really enjoy the morning runs! :)   IF I run in the mornings--it will give me extra time in the evenings to not only enjoy my family all that much more--but this also opens up the opportunity to take 30 minutes in the evening to get a strength work-out in! :)  Which is what I need!  I find it VERY difficult to run AND work-out in the evenings!!!

There you have it!  Look forward to updates weekly (I am going to try!)  from here on out! :)

(PS>>>>There are some major changes going on with the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation program--so there have been some changes and I need to make some ultimate decisions about my fundraising.  I would LOVE to fund raise for both races--but combined that would mean about 2,000.00--which is just plainly AMAZING--however, I am worried that I won't be able to raise that much money---and then have to pay it out of (my) pocket.  If you have any thoughts--please let me know!  I am really going back and forth!)

Powder Blue 5K

I know I know...I am really failing you guys on this blog!  I apologize--I promise that I will start blogging more often! I have some really exciting things coming up!  Therefore I will definitely be around more and more!! Plus, school is almost out therefore I will have a LOT more time on my hands!! :)

SO--How did the Powder Blue 5K go?  Well, it was crappy as far as time goes...but it was AWESOME as far as the race itself was concerned!! :)

Going into the race I really wanted to get under 33 minutes--but, when I got to the actual race site--and found out that well, there were crazy hills and a crazy head wind--I knew that I would NOT be likely to run that time.  And, since I hadn't really ran consistently in awhile--I figured finishing would be the best goal for me!

I started out probably a little toooo fast.  The race started out on a hill.  Lovely right?  Me--the person who trains on completely flat land!  Yep!  However, I was feeling alright the 1st mile in.  I managed to get that done in 11 minutes.  1/2 way in--I knew I needed to slow down and take a short walk.  That did me in really.  I shouldn't have walked--I should have slowed WAY down--but kept the motion of running going!!

I knew I wanted to give it my all--but into the 2nd mile the hills and wind were killing me.  I honestly thought I had a lot further to go--so I didn't push on the back run.  I should have....it would have proved myself a MUCH faster time--and the distance around the corner was MUCH shorter than I thought, which stunk because I would have TOTALLY pushed myself had I known that the finish line was SO close once I turned the corner!  Le sigh.  Live and learn!  I will know that NEXT year when I run it and will definitely push myself through the back part of the race!

BUT the best part of the race--the people I ran with!  These are such great friends--and such an inspiration to me!  We went to lunch afterwards and had a great time!  It was such a lovely race!  And despite my horrible time, it was great to race with such great friends!!  Maybe I will even see if they would have me up (to their hilly town) for some training runs! :P  Since, like I said--I have NO hills what-so-ever where I train!

Now--for the fun pictures! :P

The group before running! Me, Thomas' Mom, Rebecca, and Thomas (the race director! :P)

Heading to the start! :)  I posted this because you can see the back of my shirt really well here! :)  Love it!

At the start--I was ateempting to get my Pandora up and running...it didn't work!

This is me down the final stretch! Please excuse the horrible look--I was full out sprinting INTO the crazy wind!!!

Crossing the finish line! :) My mom and boys were in the car on the corner as I came across!

DONE!!  Crossing the finish line! (You can see Thomas with my "official" time!!) And is actually the picture Rebecca is taking in my previous picture! :P

Race #4 Tomorrow!! :)

I am excited and nervous about race #4 tomorrow!!! 

For starters--I haven't been training like I should have been.  I really haven't ran all week--although mid-week I got out for a good run--and yesterday my husband and I got out for a 5 mile bike ride!  So I have done SOMETHING to help keep my body moving--however, I haven't ACTUALLY ran in a week.  Le sigh.  It is what it is....I am just getting out there to run this race! 

2nd--I am just getting over this stinkin cold!  Its like God has this plan to make me wait all this time...its been 3 weeks since I have seriously done any training/running :(  That makes me terribly sad.  1st it was my teeth (which by the way--are feeling MUCH better!! Woot woot!)  Then last week I came down with a HORRIBLE cold, just as I was starting to feel better! 

HOWEVER--I AM going to get out there tomorrow and get my 5K in!  Its a measly 3.1 miles!  I CAN do it!  I KNOW that I can--I just have to make sure I am giving it my all--and know that I am not any worse than I started at the finish line!  My time might stink--but whatever!  It will be fun no matter what!

So here are my goals for tomorrow!
1) Survive :P  Really...I just want to cross the finish line!
2) Run the 5K under 35 minutes.  This shouldn't be TOO terribly difficult--just making sure that I am pushing myself! 
3) Give 110%--when I am ready to quit--keep going!  Just KEEP GOING!  I find myself wanting to quit--but when I push through--I tend to be just fine!  I am going to really push--and only take a break if I REALLY need it! :) 

And my "wishful" goal--to log a time under 33 minutes!  Which would be freakin fabulous!!  Yes, this is wishful thinking...but I gotta have a wish right?  I really really REALLY want to log a sub-30 5K in September!  So I gotta keep plucking away at my time!!!

So there you have it!  :)  Tomorrow I shall survive a great 5K with good friends! An inspiration really--Thomas is the one who inspired ME to start running!  And I have been happily passing the inspiration along! :)  (Oh, did you know YOU can join in the Powder Blue 5K?  If you want to race--sign up here: Powder Blue 5K Website and comment on this blog post!!  Take a picture of you before, after, during your race--and finish up by giving Thomas your information and picture!  And poof--you have just ran your first 5K!)  Enjoy!

Exciting news...and not so exciting news!

Well...this past weekend I emailed the American Cancer Society person who is working on my website--just to check in on how things are going!  I am starting to get nervous about being able to raise the money I would like to raise before July 22nd!  I know its still a far ways off--but I really wanted to get started sooner than later!  Ultimately I have TWO races to raise money for (with an ultimate goal of 2,000.00+) so I really wanted to get a kick start with fundraising!  Anywho--she emailed me back saying there has been some big changes around their office and that there WILL in fact be a team racing the Marathon in October!!  So that is TOTALLY exciting!! She said she is just waiting on word from the designer's/other people that the website is a go!!  I am just excited to see it and can't wait to get things rolling!! :)

However, on another exciting note!  A good friend of mine (who also just happens to be the 2nd in command at the daycare with the boys!!) is also a great photographer!  AND I asked her if she would do some pro-bono (aka free) shots of me in my gear for some fundraising items (and my blog!!)  And, wouldnt you know SHE SAID YES!!  So look for those to be coming soon!! :)

On a training note--I haven't done any since last Sunday.  Yes--almost a week and a half without running :(  This, makes me miserable for one thing.  And I HATE that--BUT, I had the 2 wisdom teeth pulled last Monday morning (so--not this past but a week ago Monday) and I have been dealing with some crazy, intense, miserable, pain and complications.  I had a dry socket last week---and then over the weekend it got crazy worse!!  And it seemed as if there was something STILL in my socket.  WELL--went back Monday to find out that there was still a pretty big chunk of tooth still attached to the bone :(  So--they had to numb me up and pull that part.  SO I was back at Day 1 for recovery on Monday.  Yesterday was miserable--but today I woke up feeling a bit better!  I am hoping by the end of the week that I be on the up and up!  My dad is coming to town and we are planning a run for Friday!! Which I am REALLY looking forward too!  Although, it might just kick my tooshy--as it will have been almost 2 weeks since my last run!!  And he has been running several times a week--and his speed is really picking up!  Oh well I guess! It will be nice to just get out and go!! :)

Until next time! :)

New Runners!!! :)

I have been anticipating getting new running shoes for quite some time.  My current runners are Nike LunarGlides--and while they get the job done--I knew that it would be in my best interest to get myself fitted for the correct running shoes!  At the time I started running, money was tighter--and we couldn't afford 100+ dollars on a good pair of running shoes!  So I got what I could and they have served me well! :)  We had set aside money from our tax return for me to get my shoes--however, when our tax return came--we wanted to use that money for a few other things--and I knew that my Nike's were serving me well, so it wasn't a huge deal.  We have had the money several times over--I just hadn't gotten to the store before the money was allocated to other things (although the money should have been in a cash envelope...but that's for another day/blog!).  Finally yesterday Justin and I decided the money was there--so I headed up to Peak Performance!

However, yesterday when I went fitted I must have come at the perfect time! :)  Aside from the person helping me get fitted--his good friend was there to talk to him--who just happened to be a podiatrist.  SOO I got the opinion of someone who I value to be a professional in the sense of fitting people for running shoes--and someone who is a professional with how the foot works!!  Awesome right?!  Ya I thought so as well!

I went in not knowing what to expect--I figured I had a pretty "normal" gait and such--I have "pretty good" arches so I knew that wouldn't be an issue.  However, I walked out of there with a wealth of information!

The lo down--I over-pronate.  And my current runners do nothing to help correct this--and allows my foot/leg to twist all crazy--and in turn locks my big toe from moving smoothly.  The podiatrist said he knew this simply by the wear on the toe of my running shoes. (It is significantly worn)

So what does this mean for shoes?  This means I spent 117.00 on a "transitional" pair of shoes.  Basically--I need a shoe that is going to support my foot completely through my gait.  I need a "structured cushioning" shoe.  However, to go from what I am currently running with (My Nike Lunarglides) to the Asics Kayano shoes would mean a substantial, potentially miserable adjustment period for me.  So instead of making the "leap" they put me in Asics GT-2170's.  I tried on a pair of Saucauny's--but they felt much "stiffer" and they were very very bulky, in my opinion--the Asics were much "softer" and felt much smoother!  Plus, I like the looks of the Asics a LOT LOT LOT better!  The Saucauny's were pretty darn ugly :P  I know that shouldn't sway my decision--but it did! :P 

So here they are:

Cool right?  Yep--I like them too :P  The "next" shoes I will need to get for serious running--and which from what I can gather will be "my" shoe for a long time to come--are the Asics "Kayano" shoe.  The price for those babies are 160.00---ya, my eyes about popped out of my head as well!!  Never in my life have I spent more than 100.00 for a pair of shoes--let alone 150 dollars!!!!!!  The 2 guys helping me suggested I log about 250 miles in these, and then make the final transition to the Kayano's.  I am not so sure we will be able to afford it when I hit the 250 mile mark--but I will purchase them when we can afford them.  I figure even if I can't buy them when I am "supposed" to--by the fall I am thinking we will be able to get them--and I may actually see if the Expo's at any of the major races I will be running in are selling them!  That might be a way to get them slightly cheaper (even if they are the "older" model!)

In all--I am glad I went!  They said that the Asics should prevent my foot from rolling/twisting-allowing my big toe to move freely rather than lock.  Oh, and the podiatrist said I was a "great example" of over-pronation! :P  Made me giggle!